Anti-freeze Longevity

[330]

I have a vehicle that is not driven much and am wondering how often I should flush and re-fill the coolant?

The owner's manual says every 2 years but I'm wondering if that is based on typical mileages per year.

Is anti-freeze something that needs to be changed on a minimum time schedule, or is it more of a situation where it degrades with usage?

Thx

[Joe Bob]

How much to replace an engine for an overheat or frozen/cracked block?

Change it, why cheap out?

[recycled sixtie]

A few tidbits from Wayne Dempsey's 101 Projects for your Porsche Boxster.
He states that coolant be changed every 25k miles or every two years at least.
Corrosion of the metal can occur over time. It is important that the alkaline level be correct. I don't cheap out and use Porsche antifreeze coz it is a Porsche.
G

[RANDY P]

Depends on the antifreeze- Long life fancy antifreeze it starts to gum up and silicone falls out of suspension. Not a problem with Green.

[fastfredracing]

Dex cool does not age well. Funny that the long life stuff, does not live as long as good old green.

[RedBaron]

Just spend the $60 and change it every two years. The potential headaches it could cause from it breaking down and gumming up cooling system components is not worth it. Try and run the car at least once a month, let it get up to temperature and open up the heater core so the coolant doesn't just sit there.

[Bill Douglas]

Wow, I didn't know this. I never change it in the Corollas. A good job for tomorrow.

I might change it in the 911 as well

[330]

Aren't there test strips one could use to see if it needed to be changed?

[M.D. Holloway]

Current engine technology is placing greater thermal loads (higher temperatures) on the coolant from:
- Common rail fuel systems
- Computerized combustion controls
- Emission equipment

The result is that maintaining correct glycol levels has become increasingly important for boiling point control. Increased system pressures must be monitored and maintained for the same reasons. Today these areas require far more attention than ever before.

Improperly maintained cooling systems have been linked to upwards of 60% of equipment downtime. Nearly half of all engine premature failures can be associated with cooling system issues – most are preventable.

I could go on...

[afterburn 549]

The PH factor can be measured. That is the killer.
Like said it can be measured and adjusted. (DCA)
Very expensive diesel engines just state that is what is looked for.
Some have a 5 year plan.
General motors now offers a 100,000 plan in some cars.

[HHI944]

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

Dex cool does not age well. Funny that the long life stuff, does not live as long as good old green.

Tell me about it...
I've been replacing plastic bits every time I turn around on my Disco because the PO didn't think coolant needed to be changed.....that dexcool OAT crap is just friggin nasty...

[afterburn 549]

If you buy coolant for BIG trucks, it will say its PH balanced.
You might have to go to freightliner or the like to get it.
Some NAPA store will have it.
It will last longer then 5 years and will bring you no problems.